Turkmenistan 3 Days Tour: Farap–Dashoguz Group Tour

Your journey begins at the Farap border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. After completing border formalities, you will be met by your guide and driver. You will then drive to the city of Turkmenabat, located on the banks of the Amu Darya River, one of the largest rivers in Central Asia.

From Turkmenabat, you will continue across the Karakum Desert toward the city of Mary. The road passes through a landscape of sand dunes and desert shrubs, with occasional villages and camel herds. On arrival, you will visit Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities of the Silk Road. You will explore the fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar and the Kyz Kala mansions. Your guide will tell you about the long history of Merv, which was once one of the largest cities in the world. After the visit, you will continue your journey west toward Ashgabat. The drive takes several hours, and you will arrive in the capital in the evening. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will begin a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. The city is famous for its white marble buildings, golden domes and grand monuments. Your first stop is Independence Park, where the Independence Monument stands surrounded by fountains and statues of national heroes.

You will also see the Arch of Neutrality and other distinctive buildings that give Ashgabat its unique character. Your guide will explain the history of the city and the meaning of its many monuments. After lunch, you will leave Ashgabat and drive north into the Karakum Desert. The drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater takes around four hours, with stops along the way for photographs. You will pass through small desert villages and see camels grazing among the dunes. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the crater, known as the "Gates of Hell". You will watch the sunset and see the flames become more dramatic as darkness falls. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight camping near the crater.

For those who wish, an early wake-up offers a chance to see the crater once more at sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, you will begin the journey north toward the Dashoguz border crossing with Uzbekistan. The drive takes you across the northern part of the Karakum Desert, where the landscape gradually changes to farmland and irrigated fields.

Along the way, you can make stops for photographs and rest. Your guide will tell you more about life in northern Turkmenistan and the history of the Khorezm region. If time allows, you may stop at a local café for lunch or tea. You will see cotton fields, canals and villages that depend on the waters of the Amu Darya River. On arrival at the border, your guide will assist you with the departure formalities. After saying goodbye to your team, you will cross into Uzbekistan to continue your journey. We hope you have enjoyed this short tour through the highlights of Turkmenistan. Thank you for travelling with us.